2011 IDP Undervalued Sleepers – Defensive Backs

Finding undervalued sleepers is essential for success in fantasy football, and it can be especially useful in IDP leagues, if you can stay on top of player movement and which positions give way to fantasy success. I’ve found that of the three main IDP positions to draft begin defensive end, linebacker, and defensive back, it is the backs that can be the easiest area to acquire late round, to waiver wire stars.

This may be because while linebackers are a little easier to chart out the up coming possible successful option, many IDP fantasy owners tend to focus on that position the most when getting ready for draft day. Backs may be the least attractive of the three position to talk about and prepare for, but having an idea of the possible up and comers, can give you a clear edge over the competition.

Below you will find those defensive backs I believe are worthy of taking a strong look at, and options to select towards the end of your draft. Keep an eye on these names as we head through the preseason to make sure they land starting jobs, if so, they should be worth adding on your squad this summer.

George Wilson - Assuming George Wilson takes the starting strong safety position in Buffalo, he should be an instant DB-2 to start in IDP leagues. We witnessed Wilson give IDP fantasy owners solid production down the stretch in 2009, and if not for Donte Whitner taking the job last year, Wilson could’ve been a potential top ten back last summer.

While it looks like the Bills will use more of a 4-3 scheme the year, it shouldn’t hurt Wilson from racking up over 100 tackles if he can nail down the job for the entire year.

Daniel Manning -Take over at Bernard Pollard old position, Daniel Manning should flourish with the Texans as the former Bear is with a defensive coordinator who believes in his abilities. For whatever reason, the Bears just didn’t want to commit to this guy, but don’t be fooled as Manning can play some football and is a sleeper for IDP leagues. Stash him on your bench, and he should be a worthy DB-2 as we move deeper into the season.

Rashad Johnson - With Adrian Wilson gone for possibly the entire season (torn bicep), youngster Rashad Johnson is tabbed to be the starting strong safety for the Cardinals. Thus far, Johnson has impressed his coaching staff, and he should have a chance to be a IDP relevant option, right away. In all likelihood, Johnson won’t be touched in most IDP drafts, so if he shows signs to relevance, early in the season, you need to jump on him.

Kam Chancellor – It’s time to get on the Kam Chancellor band wagon as the Seahawks strong safety position has been a productive spot over the years, and even old man Lawyer Milloy proved that in 2010, with 88 tackles. Unless Chancellor moves onto IDP draft lists in the coming week, he’s an option to select in the late part of your draft, and he’s a great start week one against the 49ers sorry pass offense.

William Moore - I’ve been slow to rank William Moore this summer because I wasn’t sold that Atlanta was going to commit to him as the starter, but it looks like he’s going to be the man, once again. Moore did a respectable job in his second season as a pro, and should have no problem building off his 72 tackles from last year. Don’t look to Moore as an option to draft, but he could be a useful waiver wire option to keep an eye on.

Patrick Peterson / Jimmy Smith - Both first-round picks Jimmy Smith and Patrick Peterson are worthy of selecting on draft day. Even the best corners are tested heavily in their rookie seasons, and that gives them better IDP fantasy value, so both of these options are worth considering if you start two corner back positions in your league.